New
cardinals make the sign of the cross during the consistory in St Peter’s Square.
Pope John Paul II elevated 30 prelates from around the world to cardinal during
the ceremony

The 30 new cardinals swore an oath of fidelity
and obedience to the Pope and his successors when they were inducted into the
College of Cardinals in a consistory in St Peter’s Square.

Each of them
promised to “be faithful henceforth and forever, while I live, to Christ and his
Gospel, being constantly obedient to the Holy Roman Apostolic Church, to Blessed
Peter in the person of the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II, and of his canonically
elected successors; to maintain communion with the Catholic Church always, in
word and deed; not to reveal to any one what is confided to me in secret, nor
to divulge what may bring harm or dishonour to Holy Church; to carry out with
great diligence and faithfulness those tasks to which I am called by my service
to the Church, in accord with the norms of the law”.

The atmosphere in
and around the square was a combination of strict formality, patriotic fervour
and familial pride as Pope John Paul II elevated the new cardinals.

In
the morning ceremony, cardinals and bishops in their formal red and purple robes
flanked the flower-festooned stage in front of St Peter’s Basilica.

Near
them, the official escorts known as “papal gentlemen” and many members of national
delegations wore formal morning coats with tails.

Every single step of
the ceremony was carefully choreographed, in keeping with centuries of tradition.

When it came time to receive their red hats, the new cardinals were escorted,
one at a time, to kneel before Pope John Paul II and kiss his ring. The audience
in the square was not bound by the same degree of formality, though.

Guests
waved flags, banners and signs and cheered as each new cardinal’s name was read
out.

The atmosphere was also festive at public receptions held later for
the new cardinals.